They were just about ready to head to the Sunnydale post office with their supplies when Angel's cell phone rang. Everyone in the shop jumped, their nerves one edge. Angel reached down and unclipped the phone from his belt, chuckling at everyone's surprised expressions.

"Yeah?" he growled into the receiver. "Okay…no…no Cordy. I said…well, did you tell her…of course I am! Why would I…no! Okay. Right. I understand." He clicked the off button with a grimace and faced the group, noting Xander hiding a chuckle. Spike, too, was smirking at him.

"What was that about a leash, Peaches?" he cracked, elbowing Buffy.

"Shut up, Spike," he sighed.

"Was…was that…," a snicker cut off his words. "Was it Cordelia?" Xander asked, still laughing. Even Giles smiled, remembering the brunette's forcefulness.

Angel smiled that unusual smile Willow and Buffy had noticed earlier that day. Both women noted the significance to themselves: strangely enough, Cordelia was the one making him happy. Which begged the question of Darla, but it was a question better asked later.

"Yeah. She tuns our office like a drill sergeant. And she says that I need to 'get my undead butt in gear' because they think Darla's in labor. Which means we'll have to forego the PTB visit, not that it'll matter in a couple of hours. I'll have Wesley fax you the prophecy manuscripts so you can see what you can find beforehand, Rupert. I'll have my cell with me at all times, so just call if you get anything."

Buffy pouted at him. "But I thought we were… you know…I wanted to help."

He put a hand on her shoulder and gazed into her eyes. "I know. But I have to go. Now. Once the…baby's born, we'll all come down for a visit. That is barring the world ending or something," he quipped. A low growl interrupted their moment and Angel smiled at her wryly. "Besides, you have your attack vamp to keep you company until then."

"Oi! Just reminding you, Peaches," he said, wiggling his tongue and bobbing his eyebrows.

Buffy shook her head and muttered, "What is my attraction to insanity?"

"I heard that," Angel and Spike chorused.

"So Deadboy's going to LA to birth a mini-Deadboy with the raging she-bitch and Deadboy, Junior is going to stay here and disgust us by making goo-goo eyes at Buffy," Xander clarified, looking pointedly at Spike, who was staring at Buffy.

"Don't forget, Darla will be there, too," Dawn said, fighting a laugh. She'd never liked Xander's ex-girlfriend for obvious reasons.

"Dawn!" "'Bit!" Spike and Buffy admonished at the same time.

"Awww, now that was cute," Willow said, her eyes dancing with mirth.

"Quite," Giles agreed, also trying not to laugh.

"What? What is so cute?" Buffy demanded, her hands on her hips.

"The whole Mommy Buffy/Daddy Spike routine. Mustn't let the kid call someone a bitch… Simply charming!" Xander replied.

"Dad? Me? Did something hit you on the head at work today, bricklayer?" Spike sputtered.

"You don't want to be my daddy, Spike?" Dawn asked, flashing him the puppy dog eyes.

"No! I mean… of course, Nibblet. But Buffy's not… and we're not… you know, married…and I can't--"

"You wouldn’t want to marry me, Spike?" Buffy asked softly, a pout on her face.

"Women with children have baggage, Spike. You've been alive long enough to know that," Giles deadpanned.

"Buffy, I…if you really wanted to, I'd…but I don't even know if we c-" He looked at the group, all of them barely containing their giggles. Realization dawned on him suddenly. "You gits are playing me for a fool. You'd think I'd be able to tell by now," he grumbled. He gave Dawn a sharp look and she shrugged, winking at Willow. Giles just shrugged, and Buffy flashed him a radiant smile. If it made them all this happy, I suppose it's worth it, he thought.

Angel watched them banter from the shadows near the back of the shop, a smile flitting across his dark features. When he and Buffy had met after her resurrection, she had been morose and almost suicidal. He'd been very worried he might receive that awful phone call again soon, but he hadn't wanted to interfere. She'd obviously found something to make herself enjoy living again. He hadn't even said anything when she'd called him 'Spike' during their talk, because he figured it was just a slip. He hated that Spike was the reason for her happiness, he owed it to her to let her explore her feelings.

As the gang teased Spike, he made his way to the sewer entrance in the back room. He could follow the tunnels to Buffy's and get to his car there. Cordelia would skin him if he didn't get home soon.

As he disappeared, Buffy turned to the group puzzledly. "Where's Angel?"

"Don't know, luv. He probably pulled that Batman thing again. You know how much he loves doing that," Spike grinned.

"Yeah. He just fades into the corners," Willow offered.

"Like a shadow," Tara added.

"Or a thief," Anya threw in.

Giles sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Well, since Angel had to leave, I suggest we all adjourn until tomorrow when we know more about Darla's labor. And I have some transcripts to translate for him."

Buffy nodded eagerly, and Spike grinned. While they were making plans to 'patrol' later that night, Dawn was checking out the new jewelry shipment Anya had just finished inventorying. When no one was looking, she snatched a gorgeous amulet she'd had her eye on since Anya unpacked it. Satisfied no one had noticed, she pocketed it, just making it before Buffy called for her to leave with them.

Buffy had Spike's hand in hers, and Dawn groaned. "Buffy, I know you have this love affair with sewers that surely stems from dating dead guys, but do we have to trudge through the sewers? Can't I have Giles ride me home?" she whined.

"Dawn…"

"No, it's okay, Slayer. Let the Watcher take her home. Lots of nasties in the sewers, anyways. No place for a lady," he said, sliding his tongue behind his teeth. Noting her expression, he backpedaled. "Unless she's a well-trained lady who could probably kick my arse. Well, only if I was crippled," he muttered, trailing off.

Buffy rolled her eyes, and pounded her head lightly against a post. "Why me? Why do I date people who are crazy?"

"You know, they say like personalities gravitate toward one another," Xander quipped.

She cocked an eyebrow at him and grinned. "Two words, Xander. Preying. Mantis." With that, she grabbed Spike's hand and dragged him toward the sewer grate.

Buffy, Spike and Dawn had been hanging out all day, munching and watching movies. Darkness fell, and Buffy reluctantly disengaged herself from the warm nest they made on the couch. "Spike, we have to patrol."

"But Slayer-" "Buf-fy!" They whined in unison.

"No buts! I drag my butt out when I'm miserable and sick, so you can when you're warm and comfy. Perks of dating the Chosen One," she said laughing.

"Who's coming over to watch Dawn?" he asked.

"Willow will be home soon. Dawn can stay here until then," she replied, heading upstairs to change into warmer clothing.

"No she can't! She's only fifteen!"

Dawn giggled. "Lazy much?"

"Hush up, you," he growled playfully.

Buffy came running down the stairs. "Come on! You're not even close to being ready, Spike."

"And he's getting kinda ripe, too," Dawn commented, smirking.

"I am not! Dead people don't stink!" he barked. At their looks, he amended his statement. "Okay, vampires don't stink."

"Okay, Loverboy. You go to the crypt and get some stuff to wear, and meet me there, got it?"

"Scout's honor," Spike said, an evil gleam in his eye.

"Why me?" she sighed.

She walked to the cemetery humming to herself. Within ten seconds of her being there, a vampire attacked her. "God, don't you guys ever take a night off?" she sang as several more came at her. Buffy gaped as she moved on, staking and beheading vamps and demons alike, still singing. She found she couldn’t stop, and her eyes widened. What the hell is going on? she thought.

Buffy stretched up on her tippy toes, her tongue sticking out of her mouth as she concentrated on reaching the top branch. The spun glass angel in her hands had been her grandmother's and was one of her mother's most treasured heirlooms. Stretching even further, she relied on her Slayer balance to keep her from toppling into the tree and destroying a whole afternoon's work. Cold hands stole the angel from hers, and after looking at it disdainfully, placed it on the top branch with ease. She whirled around, her hands on her hips, and snapped, "I had it covered. I would have had it on in a second."

Spike smirked at her, loving her bursts of righteous indignation. "I was only trying to help, luv. Was that Joyce's?" His eyes grew soft when he spoke of Buffy's mother, having grieved for her death as much as anyone living in the house had. She had been his first true friend, liking him despite who and what he was. He liked to think she could see him and the Slayer in Heaven, and hoped she was pleased. Well at least, I hope she sees how happy we are. Wouldn’t do to have Buffy's mum see us shagging or anything, he thought, chuckling to himself.

"Earth to Spike, anyone home in there?" Buffy teased. Buffy's heart melted every time he talked about her mother, because she could see how much he missed her. Every once in awhile, he and Dawn would get out the hot chocolate and marshmallows and sit at the counter reliving memories together. It was sweet, really. The Big Bad reduced to having 'tea' parties with a pre-teen who was eventually going to win the 'nail painting' argument.

Spike grinned at her. "Yeah, yeah. You didn’t answer my question. Was it your mum's?"

Buffy nodded, swallowing hard and turning away sharply to blink back tears. His arms encircled her waist, hugging her back to his front and pressing a kiss to her ear. "Then I'm honored to have helped with it, luv. Joyce was a choice lady."

Dawn came down the stairs and joined her hug, her eyes drifting to the angel on the tree. "I'd like to think of that as a reminder that Mom's watching us from above. And since she scolded Buffy about you when she was dead, I'd say she's happy with what she sees," she said, winking at Buffy, who smacked her head and groaned.

"Dawn, I didn’t want-"

A snort cut her off, and she looked up at her boyfriend, who was chuckling. "Your mum scolded you about me in Heaven?"

Buffy scowled. "It was more about me than you. Somehow you got dragged into it," she muttered.

Dawn smiled impishly at Spike and he gave her a thumbs-up. "So does this mean I can paint your nails for Christmas dinner tomorrow?" she pleaded. "You promised if I got her to tell you, I could!"

Spike grimaced. He was trapped. He'd never thought the Nibblet could drag anything out of Buffy that she wanted kept secret. "Well, I- uh, y'see…"

"Oh, no, Spike. If you promised my sister something, you’d better not break it! That's what you get for betting on me," Buffy said, laughing. "She gets to paint your nails however she wants, just like you agreed."

"But Baby-"

"No way, peroxide boy! You promised her; you lose." Chuckling to herself, she headed for the kitchen. "Now while I finish the food for the party, you two clean up this mess and get out your outfits for tomorrow."

Spike grumbled, snatching up tissue paper and wrapping paper while Dawn gathered up the ornament wrap to shove into the tree box. He looked at the plastic monstrosity disdainfully. When he'd gotten up and saw Buffy decorating a tree, he'd been confused by it's lack of scent. He'd begged her to let him buy her a real one, but she wanted to put up her mother's tree and decorations, so he let it go.

Buffy stuck her head back around the corner and peeked out. "Oh, and Spike? I laid your clothes on the bed next to mine. Do me favor and iron them all, will you?" She ducked back into the kitchen and Dawn cracked up.

"So," she asked, her eyes full of merriment, "ever use an iron for anything other than a weapon?"

Spike growled something unintelligible, stalking up the stairs muttering about 'bloody Slayers'.

Angel stared at his son in frustration. "You know, understanding Drusilla was much easier than dealing with you. Now I know how Spike felt for all those years," he muttered. "Cordelia!" he bellowed.

"Yes, your Grinchy-ness?" she asked, poking her head into the nursery.

He sighed. Cordelia was still pissed that he wouldn't let her and Fred put up a tree in the lobby. He'd tried to explain to her he'd read in one of the baby books that Christmas plants were some of the most dangerous things you can have around the house, but she'd simply arched one of her sculpted brows at the weapons closet and stalked away. She makes sense, but it's not we don't need our weapons to fight off demons! I hate when she gets all huffy with me.

"Is there something you wanted, Scrooge?" she asked, tapping her foot in impatience. "Wesley and Gunn are almost done packing the van for the trip, and I promised to go get takeout Chinese for dinner."

"I just… well, Connor…I can't," he fumbled.

"Oh, for Heaven's sakes," she said, clucking her tongue. She picked the baby, settled in the rocking chair and sang to him softly while rocking steadily. Within a few minutes, the baby was sound asleep in her arms. She stood carefully, then placed the sleeping baby in the crib, and winked at Angel.

"Wha? How? Cordy…."

"Magic touch," she replied. "Now get your undead butt in gear and get packed. I'll handle Connor's stuff after dinner. You want to share chicken and rice noodles again?"

Angel smiled brightly. Cordelia had been distinctly cold to him since finding out about the whole Darla situation from the previous spring, and he'd missed their training sessions. Hell, he'd missed all the little things they had done together, of which sharing Chinese after training was one. "Only if you share my Peking duck."

"Angelllll," she whined, "it has so much fat!"

He smirked, running his eyes over her body. "You could use it too. You're getting too skinny. Doesn’t Dennis make you eat like I did?"

Her face softened for a moment, then grew hard. "He knows when not to over step his boundaries," she replied, her heels clicking on the parquet floor as she stalked off.

"Dammit," Angel whispered to himself.

"You know, you could just apologize to her and get it over with," Fred said from the doorway. "She'd hurting just as much as you. She just won't let you see it."

"Fred-" he warned.

"No. I just can't let you two sit and push each other away like this. I don’t know what went on before with this…Fluffy…or with Darla…but I know Cordelia likes you. A lot. And you more than return it, Angel. Do something about it, or you'll regret it. And you have enough to regret already, it seems to me," she whispered the last part. "Connor deserves to have a family."

Angel's mouth opened, but nothing came out. He ducked his head and asked shyly, "You think Cordy wants to be…be part of our family?"

"I don’t think. I know." Fred smiled her little half smile, and walked away silently, leaving the stunned vampire staring at the spot where she'd been contemplatively.

Spike was busy cursing at the iron. He'd just about scorched his hand to dust several times, and by now, he was very frustrated. It didn’t help that Dawn was sitting on the couch with popcorn laughing like she was watching a movie on the comedy channel. "Bloody fucking hell!" he howled, the iron hitting his finger as he held the pleats taut on Buffy's tiny blouse. Dawn laughed again, and he snarled.

She looked at him wryly, and three a piece of popcorn at him, hitting him right in the nose. "Calm down, Spike. I'll help." She got up and headed over the ironing board, scooting Spike aside to show him what to do.

Spike chewed on a fingernail as he watched Dawn move the iron masterfully, ironing all the stubborn wrinkles he'd flambé-d himself trying to smooth out. When she just missed her finger, he sucked in a breath, and she smiled at him.

"It's all about timing. I know you're pretty quick, cuz you know, vampire…duh. But you have to coordinate your hands and the fabric. You can do it. I've seen you with a deck of cards, so I know you're dexterous enough to iron Buffy's dumb clothes."

"Thanks, Bit. Want me to teach you a few nifty sleight of hand tricks when I got a second? Comes in handy when you're nicking- I mean when you do magic shows at school," he covered, wary of Buffy's exceptional hearing.

Dawn giggled. "Sure. And I won't tell Buffy. Just like I didn’t tell her you let me stay up late, eat junk food, and watch R rated movies while she was dead. Deal?"

Suddenly, a very ticked off Buffy came storming out of the kitchen. "What did you let my sister do?"

Spike smirked, and Dawn laughed. "I knew you were eavesdropping! You'd better keep your nose out of other people's conversations, pet. You might not like what you hear," he advised, grinning.

Buffy tapped her foot. "And that excuses you letting Dawn watch all that sex and violence?"

"You're the one who lets her hang out with Anya, pet."

Buffy stomped her foot in exasperation, and strode back into the kitchen. When she was gone, Dawn whispered, "Do you think she knows you let me help you destroy that vamp nest near her grave?"

"I heard that!!!"

"That is the last time I ever order carry out! Do you know that they didn’t even offer to help me bring this home?"

Gunn looked up and shook his head. Wesley said something muffled from inside the over packed van, and he translated. "Wes says that carry out means exactly that, Cordy."

Rolling her eyes, she stalked inside, the door slamming behind her, not a word spoken.

"What in the hell's been up her butt lately?" Gunn muttered.

"That's a good question," Wesley replied, "but not one we're likely to get the answer to. She's been very morose since this whole…well since Darla showed up, I suppose."

"So Darla's gone. What's her problem now?"

"I don’t know. Maybe it still has to do with Darla," Wesley said, getting out of the van and shutting the door.

"Whatever it is, I hope Angel can get her to at least talk to him. He's usually the only one who can get anything out of her," Gunn remarked.

Fred met them at the door, a mysterious smile on her face. "Cordy put the food out on the counter. Connor's in bed, so we're all gonna eat in the lobby if that's okay."

Suddenly, they heard Cordy screaming, and dashed inside. She was writhing on the floor, her face and knuckles chalk white. Her hands were clutched to her head as the vision wracked through her party. Everyone kneeled by her, ready to help her up when the pain subsided.

Angel came running from the nursery, jumping the rail and bounding to the floor from the upper floor. "Cordy? Cordy, are you okay?"

Wesley and Gunn looked at the vampire, marveling at his obvious level of distress. Keeping silent, they watched as Angel lifted the now prone Cordy onto the settee and brushed her hair off her face gently. When Cordy's eyes fluttered open, his sigh of relief was audible. They exchanged a look when Cordy grasped Angel's hand like a vise, and Angel gripped it back. It was obvious what was going on now.

Cordy struggled to catch her breath. "Sunnydale…there's something…coming. I don't know what, but I could feel…it hates so much. It's after Buffy and Spike. And it's so evil…I could hardly stand to see it, it was so full of bitterness. We have… have to go now," she blurted.

"But we weren't going to leave until tomorrow. You haven't packed Connor's stuff yet," Wesley said softly.

Fred tapped his shoulder. "I'll go do it. Get some food into her, and some water. Angel, you get fed and pack your little cooler. Wes, you go ahead and eat, because I think you should drive first."

Gunn looked at the quiet in surprise and she smiled that mysterious smile again. Some people never quit surprising you, he thought. "What should I do, Fred?"

"Go out and see if you can clear out room for Cordy, Angel, and the car seat in the back. You can ride up front with Wesley and I. Okay?"

"Yes, ma'am." He saluted her, and jogged off to rig the back as requested.

Angel watched as Fred went upstairs to pack the baby essentials, and Wesley headed over to put some of the Chinese on a plate. Angel headed over to pack his cooler, and Cordy raised her hand weakly.

"Wait!"

Angel turned back immediately. "Yes?"

"Don't eat without me. Eat in the van…with me."

There was something indefinable in her eyes, so he nodded, heading to the mini fridge behind the counter. Popping open his cooler, he tossed in a few blood packets for the road, just in case, and pulled his mug out to feed before they left.

"I thought you were going to wait," Cordelia said hoarsely.

"I am… I mean, you didn’t mean… this. Did you?" he asked in puzzlement.

"Is it eating? Don't you usually pour in your…and then eat?" she replied.

"Yeah but that's only when you and I- I don't usually let people watch me…you know. Feed." A dark look crossed his face, and his demon flickered for a moment.

"Oh. Well, can you… do you mind just waiting for me? Would it bother you?"

Angel looked at her strangely, but nodded, amazed that she wanted him to eat in her presence. Walking back over to the settee, he crouched down in front of it, watching her closely. "Are-are you okay now?"

She smiled weakly. "Yeah, I'm getting there. These things just get worse and worse lately. But I'm a survivor."

Gunn walked in and raised his eyebrow at Angel. "You guys ready to roll?"

Fred waved from the landing, diaper bag on one arm and Connor in the other. "We're ready if you everyone else is."

Angel smiled at his friends, and nodded. "Let me get my food while you settle Cordy and the baby. Cordy and I are going to eat on the way."

Buffy suddenly bolted upright, knocking the warm blanket off both herself and Spike. "Oh my God!!!"

Spike jerked up, looking around the room frantically, trying to ascertain what was wrong. His fangs descended as he scanned the slight darkness around him with his yellow eyes, and he turned to look at Buffy questioningly. "What? What? Where is it? I'll kick it's ass," he mumbled, only half awake.

Buffy laughed heartily, forgetting her distress for moment to look at how adorable he looked. They fallen asleep on the couch watching White Christmas, and Dawn was laying in the chair opposite them, still sleeping. Spike was flustered, with swollen red-rimmed eyes, and hair sticking up in every direction. He looked especially funny with bed hair, fangs, and like dried flecks of drool on his cheek. Reaching over, she kissed his lips lightly. "There's no need to kick any ass, baby. Unless it's mine."

"What?" He shook the groggy cobwebs out of his brain, trying to process her words. Was Buffy getting kinky with him? he wondered.

"I mean, I woke up just now and realized that Angel and the gang are coming tomorrow morning, and I haven't bought gifts for any of them. What I am going to do?" she whined.

Dawn yawned loudly, and startled them both. "Why don't we go to the mall and get stuff?" she said around another huge yawn. Without thinking, she rubbed her eyes and smeared the mascara she'd put on earlier.

Spike barked out a short laugh and pointed at her streaky face. "You look like a member of Kiss, Bit."

"Yeah and you look like someone in an Eighties rock video," she said giggling.

His hand flew to his head, instinctively combing his hair down. "Do not," he replied, sticking his tongue out at her.

Buffy snorted in laughter and they both looked at her, then laughed even harder. "I was ju-just thinking that you looked like Angel, all defensive of your hair," she managed to gasp out between giggles.

Spike growled menacingly, but it didn't look very scary in his current state. "Let's just get cleaned up and go," he said, still scowling.

Buffy looked at the clock on the wall and shook her head. "We don't have time to get ready. Why don't you and I go and Dawn can stay here. She can wait for Willow and Tara to come home from Xander's 'Charlie Brown Christmas' party and tell them we're running late for caroling."

"But Buffy, I look like a bleeding fool! I hafta take a shower," Spike wheedled. He planned to address this stupid caroling idea later. No ruddy way I'm going out to sing at doorsteps like a bloody moron, he thought.

"Spi-ike. The mall's gonna close. We gotta go," she pleaded.

The front door clicked, and they turned to see Willow walk in with the whole crew in tow. The red head took one look at Spike's hair and burst out laughing, followed by the rest of the gang as they filed in. Spike flipped them off, and Xander grinned.

"Guess this is one time I can file away to tease you about forever, Bleach Brain," he said, an evil grin on his face.

"Why does you house have to be Grand Central Bloody Station, pet?" Spike groaned.

Buffy shrugged. "Just lucky, I guess. How was Charlie Brown this year, guys?" She hugged Giles as he walked in to place his coat on the rack.

"Lonely without the Buffster, I must say. We only had two people to do our traditional Snoopy dance, which is sorely lacking."

Willow smiled. "Yeah, Tara and Anya don't know it, and Giles refused. Did you guys have fun here?" She and the others had let Buffy stay here with her makeshift little family to have some Christmas 'bonding time'.

"Yeah. We put up the tree, and I got food ready. Then we fell asleep watching White Christmas and just now woke up. It was nice," she said softly, smiling at Spike.

"You forgot the part where Spike almost burnt all his fingers off on the iron, and you had let him-" Dawn interjected.

Spike put his hand over Dawn's mouth just in time to keep the incriminating words from exiting. There was no way in hell he was going to let the Nibblet tell the Scoobies that he'd burnt himself badly enough that he couldn’t use one hand. Then Buffy'd seen it and decided that his healing wouldn’t work in time for Christmas, and let him…have a few drops if hers to accelerate the process. He flexed the offending digits, noting how great they felt. He smiled ingratiatingly. "No need to tell them how stupid I am, bit."

"Yeah, Dawnster. We're already aware that the bleach ate through his brain a long time ago," Xander quipped.

Giles and Willow looked at each other, then at Buffy, then at Spike. Anya peered at Buffy and quirked her head to the side.

"Buffy, why is there a bandage on your wrist? Did you have a nasty kitchen accident? I do that all the time. Xander says he's afraid one of these times I'll-"

"Honey, age appropriate. Remember?" Xander piped in.

"Oh, yes. Dawn is too young to hear about Xander's penis. I forgot," she apologized. She looked at Xander expectantly, who was hiding his flaming red face behind his hands.

Spike held back the most painful guffaw he'd ever felt, and his eyes twinkled in amusement. The two witches were likewise red faced, trying not to laugh at their friend's misfortune.

Dawn stomped her foot. "Guys, this is so embarrassing. Hell bitch almost kills me, and I can't hear some R Rated talk? Come on! Besides, weren't you and Spike leaving Buffy?" she groused.

"Speaking of R Rated," Buffy grumbled, tossing glares at Spike.

"Now that everyone's here, why don't we leave the Bit with the gang and get going?" he said impatiently. "That is, once I go comb my hair."

"You don’t have to, Spike. You can wear my Santa hat," Tara said smiling at him with just a hint of mischief.

He blanched, and went even paler than normal. Buffy's eyes lit up and he knew he was lost. "Oh, bloody hell, Slayer. Do I have to?" At her eager nod, he growled and grabbed the proffered hat, stalking out the door.

"We'll be back soon, guys. Gotta hit the mall for last minute presents. Promise me everyone will be good?" Giles rolled his eyes at her, and she grinned. "Very adult, Giles." Then she walked out into the snow to find Spike. After all, he had to drive.

Angel got out of the van and walked over to the trash can, tossing the food garbage and a dirty diaper in it. Cordelia scrambled past him, hurrying toward the bathroom. "Told ya not to drink that last soda!" he called.

Gunn laughed from the front seat, and Fred climbed over the back of the seat so she could sit next to Connor, who was awake and gurgling happily. Wesley tapped his fingers on the steering wheel impatiently.

"You do know it's only a two hour drive to Sunnydale and we've stopped after thirty minutes, right?" he asked Angel, who was watching for Cordelia to emerge from the bathroom.

Gunn looked at Wesley. "He's not paying attention. You might as well save your breath."

Angel's face brightened when Cordy came out looking much better than she'd went in. "Do you want me to go in the store and get you anything?" he asked softly.

She smiled. "Will you grab me a bottled water?"

He frowned, and she raised an eyebrow at him. Rolling his eyes, he turned to the van. "You guys want something, too, I suppose?" A deluge of answers were shouted to him, and he grimaced. "I shouldn't've asked," he muttered.

Ten minutes later, they were on the road, still gunning for Sunnydale. Cordy laid her head on Angel's shoulder, and the baby yawned on his other side. He smiled the biggest smile he'd ever let grace his face.

From the front seat, Wesley grimaced at the sight in the rearview mirror. Something told him there was going to be a problem with Angel's newfound happiness…..

Spike blinked his eyes at the bright fluorescent lights of the Sunnydale Mall. He couldn't believe he'd let the Slayer talk him into not only coming here, but wearing a stupid Santa hat, and carrying her damn bags to boot. Angel had been right: he was a poof.

At his frustrated growl, Buffy turned to smile at him. He looked so cute all growly and mad in a Santa hat. She briefly wondered if that was the story of Spike's unlife: angry but too cute to look threatening. God knows I've seen it happen more than once, she thought, giggling to herself. "Just a few more presents, Spike. I have to get something for Cordy, Angel and Connor. Everyone else was pretty easy since I don' know them very well. Nothing says Christmas like gift certificates," she said, laughing.

They left the expensive boutique where Buffy had been looking for a present for Cordelia, and headed out into the atrium. Buffy scanned the map, looking for something to give the former prom queen, when something caught her eye. She looked at Spike mischievously, chewing on her lower lip nervously, and tilted her head towards the map, asking him what he thought with her eyes.

He grinned. "But we're not here to buy presents for us, Slayer," he purred.

She smacked his arm and frowned. "You mean, you didn’t catch the reason why Angel was so forgiving while he was here? Or why the Scourge of Europe practically left skid marks when he was ordered to come home? I'll give you a hint: it wasn't Darla," she said, her eyes dancing.

"The cheerleader?" he asked in astonishment.

Buffy nodded, a feminine smile creeping over her face. "And I thought maybe you could help me pick something out for her? You know, something she could…use?"

Spike let a huge bellowing laugh, and people turned to look at him. Buffy shushed him, dragging him towards her destination. "Slayer, do you really think your blood pressure can handle going into a store like that? I mean, if this weren't SunnyD, demon playground, this place sure as hell wouldn’t be located in a mall."

"If I can handle being dead, I'm sure a few demon…," she gulped and lowered her voice, "things aren’t going to give me palpitations."

Spike smiled evilly and his eyes went dark. "These might." And with that, he lead Buffy over the buzzer on the door, pressing it and waiting.

"Can I help you?" a distinctly reptilian voice asked.

"It's Spike. Got a few minutes?"

"For you, sssir, anytime," the voice replied, and the door swung open with a small click.

Xander's eyes flew open as he saw where Buffy and Spike were going. No one, simply no one, human ever went in that store. It had a buzzer for a reason, most people rationalized. Not to mention it had covered windows, and a distinctly sinister air around it. Saleem's Exotic Goods and Services was not a place the Slayer should ever be seen going into. But here he was, watching Spike lead Buffy inside, Santa hat and all.

He'd come on a whim, hoping to find Anya a present she'd never forget, and thought maybe he'd ask Buffy's help. She was a girl after all, and should know what they deemed special. But then he'd seen them whispering and pointing to the map, and decided to follow along without making himself known.

The van hit the curb with a huge bump and Gunn's head hit the roof again. He turned to glare at Wesley, who insisted on driving the whole way. "Man, if I have a buncha lumps on my head come tomorrow, I'm gonna roll you."

Fred giggled, imagining little lumps decorating Gunn's head like in a Bugs Bunny cartoon, and then snorted. Everyone stared at her, and she shrugged. "It was just a funny image, that's all."

"Is Connor still asleep?" Wesley whispered to Angel.

"By some miracle of God, yes. Even your driving hasn't made him wake up, and I'm hoping carrying him into Buffy's house won't either," Angel said, his face darkening.

Cordy smirked. "You think all those people in there who have never seen the 'miracle baby' are gonna let him sleep for the first hour he's here? You really don't know anything about babies, do you?"

"All we can do is hope their common sense prevails, Cordy," Wesley said, opening his door. "And if not, we'll let Buffy put him back to sleep."

Everyone but Fred snickered, and she looked at them. "What? Is Buffy not good at the mommy type stuff?"

"She's the Slayer. Does that tell you anything?" Cordy said, hauling the diaper bag and porta-crib out of the back.

"And if that doesn't help, she's dating my Childe," Angel muttered, handing two suitcases to Gunn. "Cordy, could you have brought any more junk? You might even have more stuff than Connor."

"She doesn’t know Billy Idol, Angel, so that won't help. And since I'm the only person here who can get Connor to sleep, you’d sure as hell better keep on my good side Mister."

Angel rolled his eyes at her, and she smiled. "Just grab the car seat….carefully. I don't want you carrying anything heavier than that so soon after all the…vision…stuff," he fumbled, grabbing the baby's things from her and heading towards the house.

"Since when did he go all Cave Vamp?" she muttered, unstrapping the car seat slowly.

"Since he fell in love with you," Fred whispered in her ear, giggling as she walked away, arms full of presents.

Xander sat on the bench facing Saleem's whistling nervously. No one had come in or left since Buffy and Spike entered, and he half wondered if Buffy was wiping the floor with the demons who were certain to be lurking inside. He was about to zone out when the door opened, and a smiling Buffy came out. Spike followed and she pressed an excited kiss to his lips, almost losing her balance in the process.

Spike noted the whelp out of the corner of his eye, and indicated him to Buffy. "Did you know we had a tail?"

She shook her head, then kissed him again, her little hands clutching the bags she was holding. The present she'd gotten Cordy might be the best present she'd ever given anyone. And it was only possible through Spike. Sighing, she turned toward Xander and waved. "Having fun staking us out, Xand?"

"Curious you should mention stake with blondie around," he shot back good naturedly. "So um what were you guys doing in the most insidious store in Sunnydale? Christmas shopping? Or something to do with chains that I never want to imagine?"

Buffy giggled. "It was Christmas shopping actually. A little gift for someone special," she replied mysteriously.

Xander raised an eyebrow, but shrugged as they started walking away from Saleem's. "I came to see if you had an idea of what I should get Anya. I want to get her something very special, but I just don't know what to buy someone who's lived a thousand years. You know?"

Buffy nodded, looking at Spike out of the corner of her eye. "I do indeed. Maybe there's something she especially loves, besides money, that you could buy. Jewelry, chocolate…"

"Sex toys," Spike muttered, giving Buffy an innocent look when she glared.

Xander blushed. "Well, I've already… I mean. Okay, but I want something she'll never forget. Something to make her first Christmas as the future Mrs. Harris the best one she'll ever have."

Spike looked thoughtful for a moment. "I think I have an idea. Buffy, can you finish off the Poof and his brat's shopping while the whelp and I go talk for a moment?"

Buffy looked at him suspiciously, but assented. "Yeah, I guess. But no killing each other. Got it?" At their nods, she went on. "I'm going to record store and Baby Gap. Meet me there in like fifteen minutes?"

"Okay Buff. Don't go nuts on buying anything for Deadboy. He's not worth your money," Xander cracked.

"It's not mine. I have Spike's credit card," she replied grinning. "Speaking of which I might stop in Victoria's Secret and do a little Buffy shopping."

Spike's eyes lit up. "You do that, pet, and I'll forgive every single purchase you've made tonight. Several times over, " he purred, an evil smile on his face.

"Ewwwwww," Xander groaned. "I wish you and Junior would keep your necrophilia in the closet where it belongs."

As soon as Buffy was out of sight, Spike turned to Xander. "Anya was a demon once. And like me, I don’t think she'd ever want to go back to the life she used to lead. But the important thing is… trust. I'm still earning mine from Buffy-"

"I noticed! Dawn told she wouldn’t let you bite her this evening. She dripped it into a glass from her wrist, hence the bandage," Xander said smugly.

"Right. But you trust Anya fully right?" Spike asked, a little annoyed that the whelp knew Buffy didn’t trust him fully yet. She hadn't let him bite her since that first time, and that could be chalked up to passion. It more than irked him; it really pissed him off, but he never let her see that. That kind of thing had to be her decision and hers alone.

"Of course. With my life."

"Then the best gift is to show her that. And I know someone who can help you with that," he said, starting in the other direction.

Xander followed, still confused. When they arrived at Saleem's, and Spike rang the buzzer again, he almost wet his pants. "Y-You want me to go in th-there?" he asked.

"Yeah. Afraid or something?" Spike leered.

"No. That is, if feeling the urge to piss your pants isn't an indicator of fear."

Willow answered the front door, squealing when she saw who was there. "I thought you guys weren't coming until tomorrow! But I'm so glad you're here! Buffy and Spike will be so excited!" Angel gave Willow a look and she amended her statement. "Okay so Buffy will be excited. And so will the rest of us, excluding Spike."

Cordy grinned. "Angel wants the baby to stay asleep for awhile. Where do we set up the porta-crib?"

Willow frowned slightly. "Well if that's what he wants… Tara and I live in Joyce's room, Dawn is in hers, Buffy and Spike live in her room, so I guess the guest room is open for Angel and the baby. Everyone else will have to bunk in the den downstairs. Sorry," she said shrugging.

"Thanks Willow," Angel said, rushing ahead of Cordy to set the crib up before she got Connor upstairs.

Dawn rushed in, cooing at the baby, but stopped short when she saw the looks Angel was giving Cordy. So that's what Willow was telling Tara about. Interesting. Wonder where Cordy will sleep then? Oh my God! Dawn's mind stopped working as a very cute guy followed Wesley in, loaded down with luggage that looked like Cordelia's. Who in the hell is he? she thought, her eyes glazing over.

Tara nudged her gently. "Close your mouth, you'll catch flies." When Dawn gave her a dirty look, she smiled. "Besides, he's too old for you."

Cordy and Angel came down the steps just then, and Giles came out of the kitchen, cleaning the steam from the tea kettle off his glasses. "Angel, it's good to see you. Weren't you supposed to be coming tomorrow? Not that we mind, of course," he corrected himself quickly.

"Before we get down to business, why don't I be the polite one, as usual, and introduce everyone," Cordy cut in. "Where's Buffy and her pet vamp?"

"They went to the mall to do some last minute shopping. Xander followed along," Dawn volunteered. She smiled at the new guy and when he smiled back, she blushed, muttering something about being right back. She practically bolted up the back stairs to re-apply her makeup.

"What's gotten into her?" Anya asked in confusion.

Tara smiled conspiratorially. "She's that age. She'll be back in a few minutes."

Cordy caught her eye and grinned. "I'll bet. Well, let's go sit down and chat before Buffy and the idiots get here. Giles, do I smell tea?" she hinted.

"Yes, Cordelia. I'll just go get some…supplies from the kitchen, I suppose."

"I'll help," Tara offered, squeezing Willow's hand before she left.

Everyone draped themselves onto chairs, couches and the floor, waiting for Giles to return. Tara came back into the room with a tray full of mugs and condiments, followed by Giles with the tea and croissants. Dawn came running down the stairs, obviously having primped while she was gone. Toying with one strand of hair self-consciously, she claimed her favorite chair from Tara, who'd been saving it for her.

Once everyone was settled, Cordy began. "This is Fred, who we found in an alternate dimension, where I was Queen. She'd slipped into it by reading this weird book when she worked at the library…" Angel cut her off with a look and she rolled her eyes at him. "And this is Gunn. He's an urban vampire hunter who works with us. Everyone knows Brood Boy and Wussley," she said, grinning mischievously.

"Thank you so much, Cordelia," Wesley said, sipping the tea. "Earl Grey, Rupert?"

The other Englishman nodded. "How is everything in LA?"

Cordy groaned. "God. We have had the worst couple of months… and now I'm the only person who can get Connor to sleep. I feel like an au pair and I'm not even being paid well," she complained.

"Maybe I should introduce our gang," Willow said, trying to derail Cordelia's rant. "This is Dawn, Buffy's sister. Most of you know that story," her face went dark for a moment then she continued. "You all know Giles; this is my girlfriend, Tara. And this is Xander's fiancée, Anya."

"Fiancée?" Cordy exclaimed. "Wow, you are one brave…ex-demon…person."

Anya smiled broadly. "Thank you, Cordelia. When I think back to when I first met you, I'm actually glad that you caused me to lose my powers and become a puny mortal. Otherwise, I never would have met Xander and had-"

"Age appropriate!" Willow interjected. The LA gang looked at her in puzzlement, and she grinned. "Wait till you hear what comes out of her mouth once Dawn's in bed."

"Aw, Willow, do I have to? I don't have school and it's Christmas," Dawn whined.

"Dawn, I'm not the person to ask. You can ask when they all get back," she chided.

"I hate being a kid," Dawn pouted.

"Enjoy it, Dawn. Cause one day you grow up, and you're out hunting vampires with people like Cordelia," Gunn said, his eyes dancing. Cordelia elbowed him in the stomach and he doubled over, still laughing.

"Quite true, Gunn," Wesley added, scooting away from Cordy before she could reach him.

"So should we wait for Buffy to start the 'why we're here' discussion?" Cordy asked, stretching out on the floor, laying her head on Angel's thigh and looking up at the group.

Willow cleared her throat, staring at the intimate contact between the two. "Um, yeah. Why don't you guys settle your stuff into your rooms and check on the baby for now? We can have the big to do once she gets here."

Buffy prowled the record store aimlessly, having decided the Sara McLachlan CD she'd planned to buy Angel was way too cheesy. She'd already bought herself and Spike a heap of presents at Victoria's Secret, and now she had to finish out her list. Growling to herself, she left, standing out in front and scanning the storefronts for an idea. Suddenly, a light bulb went off in her head, and she giggled to herself. She knew exactly what to get Angel now.

After buying Angel's present, she headed straight for the Baby Gap to buy her very last present. Browsing through the racks, she finally selected a cute outfit, adding socks, shoes, a hat, and a few other accessories to it. It's for a baby. Spike would want me to go kind of crazy, she thought, eyeing the total she was signing for. She took the bag from the cashier, dropping it inside the Victoria's bag, and headed for Hallmark to buy some gift wrap.

On the way, she met Spike and Xander, who looked distinctly nervous and sweaty. "What's going on? Why does Xander look like he's gone three rounds with the looney?"

Spike glared at her mention of Drusilla. "Now, pet, it's always hard to buy an important gift for someone you love. He's just scared she won't like it."

Xander nodded, gulping slightly. "Yeah, Buff. A bit nervous is all."

"Are you guys ready to go home? We're not going to make caroling if we don't get moving," she said, still watching Xander in puzzlement.

Spike jingled the bags he was still carrying, and smiled. "I know I'm ready to get out of this nightmare. Whelp, did you drive here?"

"No, I caught a bus. I got lucky and just got on the last one here."

"Good. We'll drive you home," Buffy replied. "Well, Spike will. We all know Buffy and driving do not a good couple make."

"You got that right," Spike grumbled, remembering having to help her pass her road test.

They pulled into Buffy's driveway not too long afterwards, and Xander drew in the first real breath he'd taken since Spike floored the accelerator leaving the parking lot. "Buffy, for the love of everything that is holy, how is that you are perfectly calm and my stomach leapt out the window five minutes ago?"

"Because Spike drives me places all the time. I've gotten used to it. And I guess being dead kinda dulls your reaction to life or death situations."

Spike gave her a menacing look. He didn't like when she talked about her death so nonchalantly. "You ever been driving with the Slayer, mate?" Xander shook his head 'no', and Spike grimaced. "Let's just say I'm dead, and you've seen how I drive, yet she scares the bejesus out of me."

Xander swallowed hard. "Suddenly, I don't feel so strongly about Spike's motor skills." He got out shakily, and looked around. "Hey guys, there's some weird van out front."

Spike looked at it, noting the lack of windows. "Hmmm. Looks kind of…sun proofed love. Thought the Poof was coming tomorrow?"

"I did, too. Maybe something's wrong," she said worriedly.

They grabbed their bags and hurried to the door. Buffy opened it and rushed in, stopping short when she saw everyone gathered around Angel, who was holding a small baby in his arms. Her eyes softened, and she pulled Spike in, motioning toward the living room.

His face was unreadable as he watched Buffy look at her former love and his child, and Xander's brow creased as he watched Spike.

Dawn's eyes lit up when she saw Buffy and Spike come in. She practically jumped up, and rushed toward them. "Oh guys, I'm sooooo glad you're home!" She hugged them each in turn, and they looked at each other warily. "Willow said I could ask you cuz she wasn't in charge, but I wanna stay up late tonight, you know cause everyone is here and stuff…please?" she begged.

Buffy looked at Dawn then Spike. "You know I'm not the one to ask, Dawnie. I didn't set your bedtime."

"Pleeeeeeeeeeease Spike?" she begged.

Angel and Cordelia looked up in surprise. Angel grinned, trying not to laugh. "You set Dawn's bedtime, Spike? Are you in charge of punishment, too?" he asked, still holding back a huge guffaw.

Spike glowered at him, then smiled slowly. "Well, I'm not in charge of Dawn's punishments…," he drawled, smirking lecherously.

Willow and Tara snickered, and Anya scowled. "That was so not age appropriate! Why do I have to follow the rules if he doesn't?" she whined.

Suddenly, Connor started wailing at the top of his lungs. Spike snickered, watching Angel try to calm him down, and then buried his face in Buffy's back to outright laugh when Angel had to hand his son over to Cordy. Connor just kept on screaming, and the whole LA gang looked at him, mystified.

"Cordelia can always calm him," Wesley explained. "It's very strange that he's still upset. Especially since he's dry and fed."

Spike poked Buffy. "Give it a try, luv. Something tells me you got a magic touch."

Buffy looked panicked, but Cordelia nodded. "Go ahead. It can't make anything worse," she said.

Buffy walked over tentatively. She'd baby-sat when they lived in LA, but somehow, holding Angel's child made her nervous. She reached out her arms, and took the squalling baby carefully, cradling him in her arms and crooning. Bouncing on her toes and walking the room, softly singing into his ear, Buffy held Connor for a few moments before he stopped crying entirely.

Angel raised his eyes to Buffy, disbelieving. They'd all thought Buffy wouldn’t even know how to hold the baby much less calm him. And there she was, rocking him to sleep like she did it everyday. Watching her made him remember why he'd loved Buffy so much: she was just amazing, constantly doing something new and wonderful. His eyes caught Spike's and he was surprised to see that the eyes meeting his were slightly misty. And there's yet another person who never fails to amaze me on a daily basis…

Dawn pulled on Spike's duster sleeve, vying with Buffy for his attention. "So can I stay up?"

Spike sighed and took off his coat, then dropped into the chair Dawn had been occupying earlier. His eyes were still on Buffy and the baby as Dawn snuggled onto his lap and gave him puppy dog eyes. He looked down at her suspiciously. "Bit, why are you so eager to make the demon girl burst tonight? You know she can hardly open her mouth until you're in bed," he said, throwing a grin in Anya's direction.

"But Spiiiiiiike!" Dawn whined.

"Tell you what, Nibblet. We'll go upstairs and wrap the presents Buffy bought tonight. And…" he whispered in her ear. Her face lit up, and she grabbed all the bags, bounding up to her room with them.

Angel tore his eyes from Buffy to look at Spike. "You do realize you've become a father, too?" he asked softly.

Spike sighed heavily and rolled his eyes at the older vampire. "Yeah, yeah. Bit loves me. I get it. What about you and your…surrogate mother over there?" he asked indicating where Cordy was taking the sleeping baby from Buffy to put him to bed upstairs.

"What about her?" Angel said sharply.

"Where's she sleeping tonight? I don’t want to wake up to the prick, you know. My Christmas wish has much more to do with Buffy and a Santa teddy than you on a killing spree."

Angel smirked. "That'll go great with that hat you're wearing."

"Oh, bloody hell. I had almost forgotten about this blasted thing. Buffy and the blonde witch made me wear it. My hair was all… they made me wear it. I'll never forgive them," he muttered.

Angel's demeanor changed and he looked at Spike earnestly. "She's sleeping downstairs with Fred and the crew. Only Connor and I are sleeping upstairs."

"Great. Bleeding baby crying all night. Merry Christmas, Spikey," he grumbled, trying to mask the relieved look on his face. He nodded once at Angel, and called to Buffy. "Going up to help the Nibblet wrap the stuff we bought."

"Okay," she answered distractedly. She went back to talking to Cordelia and Fred about Connor's birth. It took her a full five minutes for her brain to realize what Spike had said. Her eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth.

From upstairs, Dawn's voice could be heard. "Oh ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Buffy!"

Buffy plastered a fake smile on her face as she returned from upstairs. The people in the living room looked everywhere but at her, trying to conceal the fact that they'd heard most of the ruckus. Angel kept his eyes averted completely, having heard every 'Spike, you idiot!' and 'Gross, Buffy', and was having trouble keeping from laughing. "What? Why is everyone acting like I have the plague? Is there a big wart on my nose?" Buffy asked.

Angel burst out laughing, and everyone else soon followed. Buffy blushed a cheery Christmas red, and dropped into the armchair muttering something about 'idiot vampires'.

Angel only laughed even harder, leaning against Cordelia, who was giggling next him on the couch.

"Buffy, do you realize if we had a nickel for every time you said 'Spike, you idiot' or some variation we'd be rich?" Willow asked.

"Or conversely, every time Spike says 'Bloody hell, Slayer' or something close?" Xander chimed in.

"You act like an old married couple," Tara offered. The laughter stopped and Tara blanched. "N-not that I m-meant you should.." she trailed off, her shyness getting the best of her.

Willow smiled and hugged her. "I agree," she whispered in her lover's ear. "But I think you just gave Giles a coronary." They giggled, ignoring the looks everyone was giving them.

"What's wrong with being married?" Anya asked. "I've read the best orgasms come from a happily married couple on their wedding night."

The LA gang stared at her, gape mouthed. Gunn nudged Wesley. "Did she just say…?" he whispered out of the corner of his mouth.

Buffy grinned. "Hence, the age appropriate warnings."

Anya pouted. "I hate when everyone stares. Just because I'm honest and have the guts to say things other people wouldn’t… And besides, Spike says sexy things all the time and no one chastises him!"

Xander put his arm around Anya. "Honey, that's because he could make us all an after dinner mint. Well, except for Buffy, because…there's no need to go there on that one."

Buffy raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think he doesn’t have more discriminating tastes than to eat you, Xander?"

"Buffy!" Cordelia said, her eyes twinkling merrily. "I'm not sure if this conversation is age appropriate for me, even."

Giles rubbed his temples, trying not to wish he was somewhere else. "Well, then if you don't mind, I'll think I'll go home for now. I know we'll be getting up bright and early for presents," he said, smiling as best he could. The last thing he wanted to hear about was Buffy's preference for sexual relations with the undead.

Buffy frowned. "Well, if you want to, sure. But don't think you won't be missed," she said following him to the coat rack. Clucking her tongue, she picked Spike's duster up off the floor and hung it on an empty peg.

Giles looked back at the laughing crowd, and shook his head. "Somehow, I doubt that, Buffy, but thank you for saying that. I'll see you in the morning." He kissed her cheek and stepped outside, walking to his car quickly.

Buffy watched him get in, waved, then closed the door. Rejoining the party, she sat in the overstuffed chair, and grinned. "So now that Dad's gone and the kiddies are in bed, what do we do now?"

Spike vaulted over the stair railing and headed for the dining room. He returned with a huge grin and several liquor bottles. "I say we toast the holiday."

Xander ran for the kitchen and came back with sodas and the traditional eggnog. "Spikey boy, for once, I am so with you, man."

Buffy woke up several hours later, the world spinning about in front of her eyes. As her vision adjusted in the dark, she noted Spike curled around her, his head between her breasts, and his legs twined around hers. Next she realized they were fully clothed, well mostly, and not in her bedroom. Her eyes skittered around the room, and found they were in the living room, not too far from the tree and… what was that? Liquor bottles…no wonder if I feel like I stuffed my throat with cotton. And no wonder we're on the floor.

She squinted around the room, finding Willow and Tara under a blanket on the couch.

One couple, check. Then she found Xander and Anya were missing, presumably because they'd gone to have sex somewhere. She groaned inwardly. Spike will be complaining about smelling that for weeks. Wonder where they went? Pleeeeeease don't let it by my room, she thought. On the other end of the couch, to her surprise, Wesley and the new girl Fred were snuggled up. Hmm interesting. Guess that's two. She frowned when she figured out she was not only missing Xander and Anya, but the rest of the LA crew. That Gunn guy and… Oh, god, she thought, drawing in a sharp breath. Angel and Cordy. Her heart stopped as she tried to decide through her drunken haze what to do.

Spike stirred above her and she froze in panic. She knew Spike would stake Angel if he had to, and the thought made her heart ache for his son. When he lifted his eyes to her, she almost cried. Whispering so only his ears could catch it, she said, "Spike, I'm worried. We all got drunk, passed out, and… some of us are missing."

His eyes closed when he realized who she meant, and he swallowed. "Bloody friggin prick. I told him not to…," he ground out.

Buffy nodded slightly. "Let's get up, assuming I can, and hunt around. Xander and Anya are missing as usual. That Gunn guy is gone. And of course…"

Spike pried himself off her warm, soft body, rolling up to his knees like a jungle cat. He'd taken off his shirt before they'd passed, and was left in just his black pants and bare feet. His hair was mussed and curly, and his eyes intense.

Buffy's mouth began to water. She loved when he looked like this; it made her want to melt in a puddle of desire. But now was certainly not the time for booze induced horniness. Safety first, wild monkey sex later, she chided herself.

Spike looked over at her, noting her gaping mouth and hearing her heart race. "Naughty Slayer. It'll hafta wait until we find the Poof, unfortunately. Then I can ravage you until you can't walk." With a feline grin, he hauled her to her feet and kissed her lips roughly then let go. "Come on, time to hunt."

Slightly dazed and more than slightly drunk, Buffy followed with an ingrained alacrity that only a Slayer could possess while intoxicated. She managed to avoid knocking things over as she navigated the kitchen. She kicked Spike in the shin, and he yelped. Glaring, she pointed at Xander and Anya on through the doorway, collapsed on the dining room table.

Spike made face of complete disgust, and clamped his hand over his own mouth before he could make a sound. Calming down, he whispered, "Bloody goddamn… of all the… how the sodding hell are we supposed to eat on that tomorrow when we know… For Christ's bloody sake, Slayer!"

Buffy stepped on his foot, trying to quiet him. "Shh," she replied. "Now for the LA people." Her Slayer sense sparked, and she quirked her head to the side, trying to reach out through her drunkenness to find what was tweaking the hairs on the back of her neck. "Do you feel that, Spike?"

He nodded silently, also trying to figure out what he felt. His eyes popped open. "It's Dawn. I can smell her now that I think about it."

Buffy's eyes widened in worry, and she followed Spike as she sniffed out her sister's scent. And then they found them. Buffy didn't know whether to be relieved or completely pissed off. Her sister was sitting on the porch swing, fast asleep on a pillow in Gunn's lap. Gunn, too, was asleep. What in the hell is she doing out here and what the hell is he thinking? She was in bed! Spike tucked her devious little butt in!

A low growl pricked her ears and she turned, putting her hands on Spike's arms. "Tomorrow. We'll deal tomorrow. We need to find… so I can go to sleep. I have hours worth of cooking and stuff to do in the morning, and now I'll have a hangover to boot, no thanks to you."

He glared at the swing one more time before allowing her to lead him inside. "Glad to know I twisted your arm, Slayer," he replied wryly.

She rolled her eyes, motioned to the stairs with her head. He nodded, and they crept up to the guest room. Buffy sighed a breath of relief when she opened the door. Angel was laying on the bed, his shirt and shoes off, sprawled out and snoring. Cordy was in her pajamas curled up on her side, her head in the crook of his arm. It was obvious nothing had happened, and the fact that Cordy had an empty baby bottle lying next to her punctuated it. She'd been helping with Connor and they'd passed out. Buffy dimly recalled doing tequila shots with Willow and the former May queen. Ugh that'll catch up with me, she thought fleetingly.

Spike pressed his body against hers. "Well, since you won't let me beat the tar out of the boy with my Bit, then I suggest you head for that bed, and if you're naked by the time I get there, it'll be a very merry Christmas in the Summers household." To punctuate his declaration, he ran the tip of his tongue up the rim of her ear, and pinched her butt.

Her eyes twinkled, and she took off for her room. Spike grinned, watching her sprint away. I might just be the luckiest bloke on this whole bleeding planet, he thought. He glanced at the scene in Angel's room, and grinned. At least from a man's perspective, he amended, creeping down the hall quickly. "Now to unwrap my prezzie," he said softly, shutting the door to Buffy's room with a click.

The occupants of the Summers household woke up slowly, clearing the cobwebs from their brains and in some cases, the drool crust from their faces. Xander and Anya sat up on the table, red faced and glancing around to see if anyone noticed their unfortunate choice for a bed. Willow and Tara smiled at each, smoothing each others' mussed bed hair down and stretching their legs. Fred lifted her head from Wesley's shoulder, even shier than normal, when her eyes met his. Dawn wiped the drool off her face, moving her cramped body slightly and widening her eyes at whose lap she was sleeping on. Angel rolled over, his eyes flying open when he felt a warm body next to his.

A chorus of low groans echoed through the house and Buffy giggled into Spike's shoulder. "Do you think we should tell them what we saw?"

He smiled. "Let's just open presents and you can do your kitchen thing. We'll save the taunting for after dinner, luv," he replied seriously. "Not withstanding I have a conversation with the Nibblet the moment I see her."

"Yeah, looks like you let her paint your nails sparkly green for nothing," Buffy teased, looking at his fingers in amusement.

"Don’t make me come over there Slayer. Everyone's awake this time," Spike said, sticking his tongue out her playfully.

"Alright. Let's get up and see if we can snag the shower first. I feel like I'm covered in grime and booze stench."

"Don’t forget the sex smell."

"How could I? You never let me. It's like you're pissing on your territory," she shot back.

He threw the covers off and raced for the shower. "Don’t forget; it's soundproof in there!"

Buffy scrambled to grab her robe and throw it on. "And again, how could I?"

An hour later, Buffy emerged from the bathroom wearing one towel on her head and the other wrapped around her body, whistling 'Let's Get It On'. Dawn stood outside the door, tapping her foot impatiently, but Buffy barely registered her presence through her haze of happiness.

"What the-" Dawn asked incredulously. When Spike emerged from the steamy room, she knew what had been going on. And as much as she wanted to be grossed out, there was Spike, in a towel, towel drying his hair, water dripping off his chest. Suddenly, there were no words. He might be like my brother but I'm not blind!, she thought. My sister is one lucky girl, that's for sure.

Spike caught her gaze and frowned. "What? I got soap in my ear or something?" When she shook her head, his brow furrowed. "By the way, you an me, we got a conversation to have about last night." Dawn's eyes got huge and he grinned.

"What-how-I….."

"Spike never misses anything. Remember that Bit. Now put your tongue back in your mouth and take your shower," he said chuckling as he walked into Buffy's room and shut the door.

Dawn ran into the bathroom, her face flaming, and threw her clothes on the sink. When she got over being embarrassed, she considered her outfit. Would Gunn think I look hot in this? Will Spike let me wear it? she asked herself ruefully. Shrugging, she turned the shower on and left her musings until later.

Once everyone was showered and sufficiently supplied with the coffee that Giles had made, Buffy settled in front of the tree with Spike, having designated them present distributors. Looking around the room, she noted people having quiet discussions amongst themselves in pairs. Clearing her throat, she called, "Hey! Hey! If you wanna make with the presents, listen up!"

Angel smirked in Spike's direction, noting his attire. "Nice turtleneck, Spike. It goes great with your…hehe…chinos."

Spike flipped him off surreptitiously, and Buffy smacked his leg. "It's Christmas; be nice! Okay, Spike and I will pick up the gifts and call out the name, come and you come and claim them. Everyone can start opening as soon as all the gifts are out. Got it?"

A chorus of affirmatives filled the room and the blondes reached under the tree, handing out gifts as rapidly as possible. When they were done, Buffy picked on with her name on it, and yelled, "One…two…three! GO!"

The room filled with oohs and aahs, the sound of ripping paper, and excited squeals. Cordy helped Angel open all Connor's gifts first, giving Buffy a huge smile when she saw the Gap box. Willow and Tara giggled at the things they'd been bought, and Dawn was 'Oh my God'-ing at regular intervals.

Anya reached over and picked up a small, oddly wrapped package. Xander caught his breath as she opened it, and her gasp tore through the room. "Oh, Xander, I… this is…I love you so much!" The box fell off her lap, spilling an ancient looking amulet that resembled the one she'd worn when Cordelia first met her.

Xander smiled, and ran his fingers through her hair. "I wanted you to know that not only do I love you, but I trust you with my life. I also wanted to make sure you knew you had choice; stay here or…well you get the picture."

Buffy listened inconspicuously from her spot on the floor, then smiled at Spike through misty eyes. "That was a nice thing you did for him," she whispered.

"No nicer than what you did for the cheerleader," he countered.

As if on cue, Cordelia's excited squeal tore through the air. "Buffy! Oh my God! Where did you….. I saw the cuffs at first and thought… oh no tacky gag gift… but this is… I don't know how to thank you!" The brunette was uncharacteristically emotional, tears pouring down her face as she hugged the Slayer. When she finally let go, she looked at Spike shrewdly. "And I know you were a part of this, Billy. I just might forgive you for ruining my life so long ago, since I know Buffy couldn’t've found this without you."

Buffy and Spike smiled at each other, watching Cordy show Angel her gift. He had been scowling at the huge vat of hair gel Buffy's gotten him, and when he read the paper, his eyes found Buffy's immediately.

He rushed through the mess, hugging Buffy and Spike at the same time. "You don't know what this means to me. Both of you-"

Buffy grinned, looking at Spike out of the corner of her eye. "Yes, I do. It means having the freedom to start a new life, Angel. Something I've definitely found out about recently. Ask Willow and Tara… I'm sure with Giles and Wesley's help, they could do this later today while dinner's cooking. It's just a simple removal spell…the man at Saleem's promised Spike, on threat of death, that it would work. For sure and for good. Be happy; I am," she finished, pulling Spike to her and squeezing him for emphasis.

Angel turned to go talk to the witches when Spike's voice stopped him. "Oh, mate? Think you can keep your staff away from the Bit for me?"

Angel laughed heartily. "Well, I'll certainly try, but I offer no guarantees."

Buffy watched the people in the room hugging and crying and showing each other their gifts excitedly. Her heart swelled as she realized what she could have missed if Willow hadn't brought her back, and she finally found the ability to forgive her friend. Misguided as she had been, Buffy was glad Willow had done it in the end.

Spike scooted up behind her and wrapped himself around her, and she snuggled back. Grinning slightly, she whispered, "God bless us, everyone."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Oh, luv, that was bad." At her nod, he grinned. "But not nearly as bad as I was last night," he growled.

Buffy closed her eyes, and tried the memorize the scene before her. Hopefully, her mother really was watching them and could see how happy her daughters were. It made Buffy warm inside just thinking about it.